The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1887-03-17
The Two Trials.
the Mobeetie Panhandle.


Judge Frank Willis is being tried at the
capital, he has at the same time been tried
at home by men that opposed him in his
late election, as we'll as by his supporters.
The verdict is in, and the charges are pro-
nounced false and malicious. The attack
was so sudden, unlocked for and SEEM
iugly concerted and prepared as to be
be binding and Supplying AS men
gradually recover from the stunning eff
feet they can only measurably approx
innate the height and depth of this mis-
cradle, hideous, hydra headed conspiracy.
Strong, serious men, realizing their
weakness and utter helplessness, turn
trustingly to the great majorities of the
state, hoping and believing they will not
allow this great outrage to be consum-
mated. We are not blaming any great
number, but think that many are de-
ceived. But what has taken possession of
our minds is that somewhere there is a
great wrong attempted, that somebody,
in the gaul and iniquity of their souls,
have undertaken to strike down the first
officer of our district. Do gentlemen sup
pose our souls have flown US, that all feel
ing has departed, that with less than
brutishness we should behold the
affliction and punishment of the inno-
cent? Are we conquered province, the
Ireland of the state? Our verdict at
the ballot box set aside and ignored with
impunity? Is citizen to be robbed of
his office and its emoluments on charges
the high tribunal of the people have
passed upon when they elected him?
When men of the Panhandle realize the
degradation and debasement of them
selves, and the suffering and agitation of
an anxious wife, whose husband is being
tried to be dishonored and disgraced,
generosity and magnaminity rise spon
taneous In every breast, and local
differences and personalities are
sunk beneath the angry waves of
tie storm that threatens to engulf
and destroy them all. Who but must feel
outraged, without power to resent?
humiliated and disgraced without the
power to vindicate? Yet we can feel a
kindly sympathy for those who have en-
| tered into this prosecution in spirit of
fairness and conscientious duty; and al
though we are extremely unfortunate,
they are more unfortunate in working a
hardship and punishment on those not
guilty. But that other class, be they few
or many land let the shoe fit who it will
that have acted in spirit of revenge, or
to plant mile stone in their life, to get a
name or reputation, or other questionable
motives, we can all join in endorsement of
the lofty, generous sentiment of the poet,
as there not some hidden curse,
| Some backness in the vaults of Heaven,
| Charged with wrath to blast the man
That seeks his greatness in another'5 ruin?"
"The copperhead Kissing in the shade"
was heard when "Strange Country" was
written, and laid its vigorous eggs, to be
Matched in due time. "Strange Country
production of the souls incest, whose gaul
has turned back upon itself-whose light
has gone out-a mixture of lies and de-
famation of virtuous women. Let the
rain wash his footprints from Texas soil,
and the dew shed its tears over the earth
where this leprous, cancer-formed being
J has trod! In the language of the great
poet, denouncing villainous traitor
"May he at last with lips of flame,
: On the parched desert thirsty die;
While lakes that shone in mockery nigh,
Are fading off untouched, untasted."
Let us cheerfully indulge the hope he
belongs not here, is a stranger, and has
gone from among us forever. This
thing is mentioned, only that some jour
nails have taken occasion to remind us
that this impeachment trial gives seem
ingness of truth to its statements, and
that Judge Willis and the peoples trou-
BILE, is just sequence to the state OF
things described in the Globe Democrat
that good and friendly paper towards
Texas. Without there be some misunder-
standing, patriotism and love for every
part of Texas is as natural with Texans
as to breathe the pure and
balmy air of her broad prairies, OF
amidst the tall forests of her eastern
boundary-e specially patriotic pride as
broad as her hundreds of miles in extent
Then let US reason together, truthfully
calmly, wisely and proftably. Put your
selves in our place; objects look different
ly from opposite standpoints. With us
local differences and antagonisms have
passed away; all recognize our final des
tiny; bad laws may make a thorny road
but cannot change the final result. Each
IS trying to build themselves up, and tear
no other down. Laws Gripping one viii
injure all.
Now then, if it can be realized, we are
men, honorable, not differing from others
except, perhaps, in some eccentricities
common to all frontiersmen, with Just
and sensible laws, and with the advent of
railroads we can make the Panhandle a
grand and profitable part of this great
state, its white masts and sails Tapping
and shimmering in the sunlight of heaven
, On the other hand if vindictive laws are
given us and mems greatness and intellect
, is to be measured by their ability to say
harsh and bitter things of us, and to pro-
nose the most Onerous measures for ouI
Government, we must partially fail.
GAS exhalatons when they burst
From the dark earth, if chilled at first,
If checked in soaring from the plain,
Darken to fogs and sink again;
Bnt if they once triumphant spread
Their Winps above the mountain head,
BECOME enthroned in upper air
And turn to sunlight glories there.
The cry of cattle kings and COW barons
at this time, falls on the ears of those
who know the situation, with strange
uncertain, meaningless sound, and comes
to their senses in a dazed and confused
way that leaves room to question the mo-
tives of those who resort to if. The vic
tim of the land inclosure act THAT hand;
all round apology to the fence cutters) il
with YOU a target for all its artillery
What a sad, bitter, disgraceful reflection
on men of the Panhandle. Shall we liz
still and acquiese, or:
"Riqbt guoh wrong hereer It's given,
No matter 'twere in the courts OF heaven
u. to pauge and nPal